MYSIA. Kyzikos. EL Hekte (Circa 550-450 BC).

Obv: Head of Perseus left, wearing winged helmet; to right, tunny downward left.
Rev: Quadripartite incuse square.

Von Fritze 65; Greenwell 73; Boston MFA -, cf. 1449 (stater); SNG BN -, cf. 193 (stater); SNG von Aulock 1186; Jameson 2169.

Very rare. Perseus, son of Zeus and Danae, lived with his uncle Polydectes, to whom he imprudently made a promise to deliver him the head of Medusa, one of the three Gorgons and the only mortal. The hero was aided in the undertaking by Athena, who hated Medusa and gave him a shining shield, to be used as a mirror to control the monster's moves. In addition to the winged sandals and a magic pouch to store Medusa's head, Perseus also needed the winged helmet of Hades, which he wears on this coin. These three objects, guarded by the Stygian nymphs, were retrieved with the help of the Graeae, sisters of the Gorgons. Perseus was thus able to fly to the Hyperboreans to confront Medusa.

Condition: Very fine.

Weight: 2.67 g.
Diameter: 11 mm.

Estimate: € 2000